The future is bright
Eight-year-old Cynthia’s start in life was grim, and it got worse. But thanks to World Vision Child Sponsorship, her life has been transformed.
When she was born, in Kenya, her mother Janet saw no sign of the challenges Cynthia would be facing. As the days went by, Cynthia smiled, then learned to sit up. She turned six months old and was learning to crawl.
But then, she started having epileptic seizures. Suddenly, Cynthia could no longer move.
Janet had to carry her daughter everywhere – to go to the toilet, when they went to the field, when they went to the market.
Heartache
Like many in their community, Janet worked hard just to put food on the table, but as Cynthia grew, it got harder and harder. Not only carrying her around, but the heartache of seeing the barriers her daughter would face. By the end of the day, Janet’s body – and heart – ached.
Around the world, people with disabilities like Cynthia face enormous challenges – not only related to their health condition, but because of the social stigma associated with disability. In some places, it is seen as a curse, or a punishment. In many developing countries people with disabilities face a lack of medical care, including trained doctors, treatment options and physical aids.